title: Separation-individuation conflict as a model for understanding distressed caregivers: psychodynamic and cognitive case studies.
abstract: Caring for a frail relative can be a stressful undertaking. Caregivers are faced with a series of losses, and old interpersonal wounds are often reopened. Project Assist was designed to study the efficacy of time-limited psychodynamic and cognitive/behavioral therapies for experienced and recent caregivers. It offers psychotherapy that can assist caregivers in separating their own emotions, identity, and well-being from those of the care receiver. This process appears necessary for the individuation and mental health of caregivers.
authors.affiliation: Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: DelMaestro
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001010:Anxiety, Separation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007207:Individuation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological